Postdoc Positions in Control for Remote Maintenance of Fusion Power Plants

SDU Robotics currently has several open 2-year postdoc positions in a EUROfusion project on remote maintenance of fusion power plants; specifically, addressing modelling and control for extraction of breeding blankets. Breeding blankets are long heavy structures that deflect when they are manipulated; thus, accurate modelling and control are pivotal for the success of the project. The application deadline is 27 June 2024 at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST)
SDU Robotics is involved in a variety of national and European projects and features a strong network of academic and industrial partners. We are a team of currently appr. 50 researchers, specialized in robot solutions involving modelling, simulation, and control of advanced robot technologies (systems and services) for industrial, medical and welfare applications. We value teamwork, professional diligence, enthusiasm for robotics and the drive to adopt new skills and extended responsibilities. We offer an open, international team with flexible work organization and support of individual development.

SDU Robotics is part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), and located at the main Campus in Odense, at the core of the Odense Robotics Cluster involving 130+ startups and established companies in robotics. The aim of the group is to solve challenging research problems derived from real-life challenges by implementing novel robot solutions. We participate in implementing the achieved results in real solutions with end users as Universal Robots, LEGO, national hospitals and Novo Nordisk.

Job description
SDU Robotics currently has several open 2-year postdoc positions in a EUROfusion project on remote maintenance of fusion power plants; specifically, addressing modelling and control for extraction of breeding blankets. Breeding blankets are long heavy structures that deflect when they are manipulated; thus, accurate modelling and control are pivotal for the success of the project.

The candidates will contribute to developing and implementing the control system for a remote maintenance test facility at SDU. This includes dynamical simulation of breeding blanket extraction with a robot, design and implementation of real-time control system, selection of sensors and actuators. Remote maintenance is a safety-critical application, so knowledge within this domain is an advantage.

Profile and requirements
The candidates must hold a PhD degree in robotics, control, or similar and must have some of the following qualifications:

• Experience with control of flexible dynamical systems.
• Experience within model-based control for robotics.
• Experience in implementing real-time control systems.
• Experience with safety-critical control systems.
• Experience in programming and developing maintainable software.

Furthermore, the successful candidates are expected to:

• have excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).
• have the ability of working independently.
• have the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• have a strong sense of responsibility.
• conduct independent research.

Further information and contact
Further information about this position is available via email from Professor Christoffer Sloth [email protected].

Please visit us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sdu-robotics.

If you experience technical problems, please contact [email protected].

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.

Application procedure
Before applying the candidates are expected to read the SDU information on how to apply and specific faculty information for application at the Faculty of Engineering.
The application shall include the following documents in English:

• A motivation letter that clearly explains the applicant's interest, qualifications, and motivation for the position (max. 2 pages).
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae, including personal contact information.
• Maximum 2 examples of relevant publications, please attach one pdf-file for each publication. Please attach as one PDF-file for each publication (only full text publications (i.e. no links) can form the basis for assessment of the application).
• Verified copies of Certificates/Diplomas (Master, and PhD degree) – Danish and/or English transcripts.
• Complete list of publications.

The application may also include:

• Research statement.
• Summary of experience in teaching.
• Reference letters/References (names and e-mails).
• Documentation of other qualifications with relevance to the position.

Assessment and selection process
Read about the Assessment and selection process.

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied. Only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU.

Interviews and tests may be part of the process.

Conditions of employment
Appointment as postdoctoral researcher is temporary and for an initial 2-year period. The starting date for the positions is as soon as possible in 2024 and will be agreed with the successful candidate. Main work location is Odense/Denmark at SDU.

Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment.

Research will be predominant in the position. Teaching assignments may occur to some extent. Furthermore, other types of assignments may occur to a limited degree. The faculty determines the distribution of the various assignments. The weighting of the different assignments may vary over time.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on salary and taxation.

The application deadline is 27 June 2024 at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST)

Formalities

• According to the University of Southern Denmark’s internal guidelines, there must be at least three qualified applicants to a position before it can be filled.
• Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.
• The application and CV must not exceed 10 MB.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

Placering: Odense, Denmark